There are some experiences that change the way you see one another.
On a recent Sunday, 18 members of the Coalition for Jewish and African American Unity traveled to Washington, D.C. for an allyship trip rooted in exactly that kind of transformation. What unfolded over the course of two days was a shared journey through history, pain, resilience, and, ultimately, connection.
Our first stop was the National Museum of African American History and Culture, a space that begins in the depths of enslavement and oppression and rises, floor by floor, into a story of resistance, faith and triumph. Later, we visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, where the narrative moves in the opposite direction, beginning with the richness of European Jewish life and descending into dehumanization and genocide.
Many of us had visited one or the other museum before. But none of us had experienced them like this—standing shoulder to shoulder as Jewish and African American partners.
Before visiting the Holocaust Museum, we gathered at the Jewish Federations of North America office where we met with CEO Eric Fingerhut and watched October 8. Afterward, Rev. Randy McNeil of Mt. Zion United Holy Church said, “I see how jacked up mankind is.” That is a raw response to that film and the events of October 7, and it opened the door to deeper conversation about antisemitism, fear and what being Jewish today is like.
One of the most moving moments of the trip came when we met Auschwitz survivor Ruth Cohen. The Holocaust can feel distant, confined to textbooks and timelines, until you are sitting across from someone who lived it, someone who can look you in the eye and tell you her story.
And we were not afraid to have difficult conversations about our complicated histories as we broke bread together. We all know the iconic image of Rabbi Heschel walking arm in arm with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma. It represents the very best of Black-Jewish solidarity. But we also acknowledged that just outside the frame of that photograph were Jewish-owned businesses in the South that did not support civil rights. Just as we could acknowledged the DEI movement often does not include Jews and had a frank conversation over dinner about Black Lives Matter.
We were able to talk about current events — including the war with Iran — through the lens of why Israel matters so deeply to the Jewish community.
This trip was never just about looking back. It was about what we choose to do moving forward, together, as the Coalition for Jewish and African American Unity continues its work:
“This interfaith dialogue trip to Washington DC created a sacred space for each of us to share our lived experiences and to listen to stories shaped by both pain and perseverance. I leave today with a deeper and more compassionate understanding of the realities faced by our Jewish brothers and sisters. What moved me most was the realization that proximity dissolves assumptions and makes room for empathy, accountability, and shared hope. I believe what comes next for us is courageous continuation.” – Rev. William D. Carter, III, Paster of Franklin-St. John’s United Methodist Church, Newark
“I’m overwhelmed by the feeling that it takes such a short time to become one if one’s heart and mind are open to it. No amount of hate can oppress the indomitable spirit that came out of this family.” – Michael Elchoness, Coalition for Jewish and African American Unity Chair Emeritus
“We didn’t just travel together, we listened, we learned, and we leaned into one another’s truths. We allowed history, faith, and lived experience to sit at the same table, and in doing so, we built something stronger than agreement… we built a bridge, an understanding that tie us together. What comes next is embarrassing the responsibility… CARRYING IT FORWARD. I will share this experience by becoming a bridge in the rooms I enter… telling the truth of what I saw, honoring the voices we heard, and modeling the unity we experienced. I believe when I carry the story forward with humility and courage, the impact multiplies beyond the moment.” –Rev. Reginald Atkins, Former NJ State Assemblyman
“The impact of our conversations has been life changing. My plan of action is to reach out to several members of the group and share by fellowship. To use and to be used as a resource of peace, mutual respect and understanding in regard to the human experience.” –Pastor Randy McNeill, Mount Zion United Holy Church